Ashish Shelar Joins Bollywood Stars at NMACC for ‘Mera Desh Pahle’: A Musical Tribute to PM Modi’s Journey

When Bollywood glamour meets patriotic pride, you know it’s going to be a night to remember. That’s exactly what happened at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai on Sunday, September 21, 2025, where political leaders and film stars came together for the grand screening of “Mera Desh Pahle: The Untold Story of Shri Narendra Modi.”

The evening turned into a rare spectacle a celebration of art, leadership, and India’s spirit of “nation first.”

Ashish Shelar Marks His Presence

Among the dignitaries, one of the standout faces was Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar. Known for his strong connect with Mumbai’s cultural and political circles, Shelar’s presence symbolized how this musical saga was more than just entertainment — it was an emotional journey into the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bollywood Stars Shine Bright

The Grand Theatre at NMACC buzzed with star power as Bollywood’s biggest names walked in:

• Ranbir Kapoor & Vicky Kaushal – twinning in elegant black bandhgalas, reminding fans of their upcoming film Love and War.

• Akshay Kumar & Tiger Shroff – adding action-packed star value.

• Janhvi Kapoor – graceful in a beige saree with a corset blouse.

• Shriya Saran – dazzling in a Kanjeevaram saree.

• Raveena Tandon – chic in a white ethnic co-ord set.

• Arjun Kapoor, Rohit Saraf, Vikrant Massey – bringing a mix of youthful energy and traditional charm.

• Sunil Grover, Vipul Shah, Shefali Shah – representing industry veterans and creative producers.

• Rajkumar Hirani, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ashutosh Gowariker – acclaimed filmmakers who rarely share the same stage, making this gathering even more iconic.

  

  
  

Political Dignitaries Add Weight

The evening wasn’t just about film stars. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis called the musical “a window into the unknown sides of PM Modi’s life,” while MLA Ameet Satam described it as “a spectacular tribute to the spirit of Nation First.”

Together with Ashish Shelar, their presence highlighted how politics and art can blend seamlessly to create a moment of national pride.

The Making of ‘Mera Desh Pahle’

Conceptualized by lyricist Manoj Muntashir, directed by Deepak Gattani, and powered by music from Ajay-Atul, the stage production was unlike anything India has seen before.

It brought together powerhouse singers like B Praak, Sneha Shankar, Rishi Singh, Ashish Kulkarni, and Ujwal Gajbhar, along with Indian Idol stars, to weave Modi’s life story into a moving mix of song, poetry, and visuals.

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah called it “a beautiful way to discover new aspects of PM Modi’s journey,” while actor Arjun Kapoor said, “The writing is emotional, the music is powerful — this is storytelling with soul.”

A Nationwide Journey

After a successful premiere in Delhi, the show reached Mumbai, and now it’s gearing up for Patna, Hyderabad, Varanasi, and Kolkata, with more cities in the pipeline. Each stop promises to take audiences deeper into the 75-year journey of Narendra Modi, making this not just a show but a movement of patriotism through performance.

Why NMACC Was the Perfect Stage

The choice of NMACC was no coincidence. Its 2,000-seat Grand Theatre, world-class acoustics, and cultural aura made it the ideal venue for a production meant to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international musicals.

As actor Anupam Kher once said, “NMACC is India’s answer to the world’s biggest cultural hubs.”

More Than Entertainment: A Celebration of India

Lyricist Manoj Muntashir summed it up best:“My pen has always been my tribute to my land. With Mera Desh Pahle, I aim to create not just a show, but an emotion — a celebration of India through the journey of one of its most iconic leaders.”

And that’s exactly what the evening felt like — a celebration of leadership, unity, and patriotic pride.

The fact that Ashish Shelar, Devendra Fadnavis, Bollywood’s finest stars, and Mumbai’s cultural elite all came together under one roof showed the power of art to connect, inspire, and celebrate India. People Also Ask 1. What is the theme of Mera Desh Pahle musical on PM Modi?

Mera Desh Pahle is a patriotic stage musical that tells the untold story of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey. It blends live music, poetry, and visual storytelling to showcase his path from childhood struggles to becoming the country’s leader.

2. Which Bollywood celebrities attended the Mumbai screening at NMACC?

The screening turned into a star-studded Bollywood night. Big names included Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Janhvi Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Shriya Saran, Arjun Kapoor, Rohit Saraf, Vikrant Massey, and Sunil Grover. Directors like Rajkumar Hirani, Sajid Nadiadwala, and Ashutosh Gowariker also graced the event.

3. Who were the key political leaders present at the show?

Along with Ashish Shelar, the evening saw the presence of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and MLA Ameet Satam. Their participation highlighted the cultural and patriotic significance of the production.

4. Who are the creators and performers behind Mera Desh Pahle?

The musical is conceptualized by Manoj Muntashir, directed by Deepak Gattani, and features music by Ajay–Atul. Renowned singers B Praak, Sneha Shankar, Rishi Singh, Ashish Kulkarni, Ujwal Gajbhar, and other Indian Idol talents brought the story alive on stage.

5. Which cities will host Mera Desh Pahle after Mumbai?

Following its Delhi premiere and Mumbai screening, the show is scheduled to travel to Patna, Hyderabad, Varanasi, and Kolkata, with more cities expected to be added to the nationwide tour.

6. Why is Mera Desh Pahle considered special?

The musical coincides with PM Narendra Modi’s 75th birth year. More than a performance, it is positioned as a national celebration of leadership, patriotism, and unity, using the power of art to connect with audiences across India.